Roy Keane has slammed Diego Costa, saying he is in no doubt that Chelsea are better off without the troubled forward.

Costa has refused to return to the Chelsea camp this season after being told by manager Antonio Conte that he did not have a future at Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international has been a key player for the club since his arrival from Atletico Madrid, and scored 24 goals in the league last season as the Blues went on to win the league title. But Conte is not a fan of the striker, and supposedly texted Costa during the summer to tell him that he would not be needed.

Costa wants a move back to Atletico Madrid, but with the Spanish side under embargo until January it meant no move was completed.

Speaking to ITV Sport, former United captain Keane said: “Chelsea are better off without Diego [Costa].”

“The guy is big trouble and I know he has done well for them.”

“But he looks a bit of a balloon, so they should get rid of him and get players in that want to be there.”

Chelsea started the season in a dreadful manner after losing 3-2 to Burnley. However since then things have been hugely up for Conte’s men, and Costa’s absence seems almost forgotten as new man Alvaro Morata continues to shine on the pitch.